WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States urged China on Saturday to stop harassing Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, pledging to stand with the Philippines after another maritime confrontation between the two Asian countries.
“We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
The Philippines on Friday accused China’s coast guard of “aggressive tactics” following an incident during a Philippine coast guard patrol close to the Philippines-held Second Thomas Shoal, a flashpoint for previous altercations located 105 nautical miles (195 km) off its coast.
China on Sunday said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern in the South China Sea through friendly consultations and warned the United States against interference.
“The U.S., as a country outside of the region, must not interfere with the South China Sea matter or use the South China Sea matter to sow discord among regional countries,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a written statement.
The Second Thomas Shoal is home to a small military contingent aboard a rusty World War Two-era U.S. ship that was intentionally grounded in 1999 to reinforce the Philippines’ territorial claims. In February, the Philippines said a Chinese ship had directed a “military-grade laser” at one of its resupply vessels.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, with a “nine-dash line” on maps that stretches more than 1,500 km off its mainland and cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. An international arbitral ruling in 2016 dismissed that line as having no legal basis.
China’s foreign ministry on Friday said the Philippine vessels had intruded into Chinese waters and made deliberate provocative moves.
The State Department said Washington “stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order.”
(Reporting by Jason Lange; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Leslie Adler and Bernadette Baum)
Infants are adorable, they smell good, and their skin is the softest thing you’ll ever touch, so you probably cuddle your love bug every chance you get. But because you also likely have a miles-long to-do list, you need a place to put your baby down while you get stuff done. The best DockATot alternatives are designed to be a safe place for babies to hang out, and, in the case of those designated as specifically sleep products, catch some Zzzz’s. We’ve made sure to note the intended use for each pick below so that you’re always keeping baby safe.
To find the best DockATot alternative for you and your little one, you must first decide on how you’ll be using the product since cozy “nests” for babies who are awake and alert will not necessarily be safe when they’re asleep. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
For Sleep
If your desired use for a DockATot alternative is for baby to snooze in, you’ll want to ensure that the bassinet or bedside sleeper meets the CPSC’s Infant Sleep Product Rules, namely that the product:
Should not be inclined more than 10 degrees
Should not have walls or surfaces that are puffy or soft
Should have sides high enough (at least 7.5 inches) to prevent rolling out
Should have legs or a stand (i.e. it should not be an in-bed nest).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides strict guidelines for helping babies sleep safely. They include making sure that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface approved for infant use and free of loose and soft bedding such as blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, and soft toys.
That means that babies should only sleep in and use safety-approved baby sleep products like traditional cribs, co-sleepers, and bedside sleepers.
For Day Use With Supervision
If you’re just looking for a safe place to let your baby stretch out on their back while you sit nearby and catch up on a few texts, nests can be a safe option; they should simply always be used with constant supervision and on a flat, non-elevated surface away from anything that could be in baby’s reach or present an immediate danger, like a heater or pet.
With that in mind, it’s time to find the best DockATot alternative for your little one. All of the options below are conveniently available on Amazon — and all come backed by hundreds, if not thousands, of glowing reviews from new parents.
01
This Compact DockATot Alternative That’s Safe For Sleep
If you’re looking for a place where baby can safely chill and sleep but doesn’t take up too much space, this Graco Sense2Snooze Bassinet checks all the boxes. The mesh sides are breathable and high enough to ensure that baby cannot roll away, and as a bonus, it uses the brand’s proprietary ‘Cry Detection Technology’ to soothe baby with three different head-to-toe motion speeds. You can also choose from two vibration settings and 20 songs and sounds. Its compact size and wheels make it easy to move it from room to room, and the canopy blocks light.
Helpful Review: “Perfect for babies! I work from home and can’t always be next to the baby’s crib, so having this portable bassinet is so convenient for me!”
Intended Use: Sleep | Dimensions: 19 x 26 x 41 inches (L x W x H)
02
This Infant Lounge Nest That Folds Up For Easy Portability
The rigid high mesh walls on this portable infant lounger are designed to provide babies with a breathable environment to lie down in for supervised awake time. The memory foam pad provides a comfortable surface, and the removable cover and included sheet are machine-washable. Place baby inside and watch them enjoy the soft sounds that come from the removable light and sound unit. To store the lounger or take it on the go, simply fold it up and tote it to its destination with the convenient handle. This popular nest comes backed by an impressive 4.5-star rating after more than 5,000 Amazon reviews.
Helpful Review: “Get this product! We love how lightweight, easy to fold, clean and how little space it takes up especially when it’s folded. It’s sturdy and washable, I’ve washed the matters cover twice and it’s held up well and still going. I’ve used this thing everywhere.”
Intended Use: Supervised Awake Time | Dimensions: 33.5 x 14 x 8 inches (L x W x H)
03
A Bedside Bassinet That Checks All The Boxes
The Iora bedside bassinet from Maxi-Cosi offers a safe space for baby to sleep, and according to numerous fans, it’s “stylish and checks all the boxes.” The tall, breathable mesh walls make it easy for you to view baby, and the firm mattress provides a stable and secure surface for baby to rest. The stand has four adjustable height positions and three horizontal slide positions to ensure the right fit with your bed. Plus, it has a large storage basket underneath to tuck burp clothes, pacifiers, and other baby (and new mom) essentials. The whole thing folds down flat, too, so you can pack it away in the included travel bag for taking on the road.
Helpful Review: “I very rarely write reviews but feel compelled to because of how much I love this bassinet! It’s so sturdy and the perfect height to put near my bed. Being able to easily see my baby through the mesh has given me enormous piece of mind that my baby is sleeping safely. I have tried other bassinets and this one has checked all the boxes. The mattress is firm and comfortable. They don’t seem to make official sheets for the US market, however snug fitting sheets bought off Amazon seem perfectly fine. […]”
Intended Use: Sleep | Dimensions: 32 x 26 x 17 inches (L x W x H)
04
A Cult-Favorite Interactive Play Mat For Infants
Infants might not be able to make full use of this play gym right away but there’s no doubt they’ll love the feel of the soft, comfy mat, bright colors, and getting their first peek of themselves in the baby-safe mirror. When they learn to use their little arms and legs, they’ll have fun reaching for the dangling jungle animal toys and doing tummy time. With four adjustable ways to play, it’s a budget-friendly product that’s sure to get lots of use as they grow. Not surprisingly, it boasts more than 15,000 perfect five-star ratings.
Helpful Review: “My baby likes this activity mat. She started using this since she was newborn. Now she is two months old and is able to kick the keyboard to play music, and starts trying to grab the hanging toys. Easy to machine wash and play cute music.”
Intended Use: Supervised Awake Time | Dimensions: approximately 32 x 26 x 17 inches (L x W x H)
05
The Pack ‘n Play That Has It All
Graco’s Dome LX playard is a fan-favorite on Amazon, with an impressive 4.8-star rating after 6,000+ reviews — and it’s easy to see why this one-stop baby station earned high marks. The five-in-one pack ‘n play has a roomy, portable bassinet with airy mesh sides that can be positioned at eye level for peace of mind, a diaper changer that wipes down easily, and a storage caddy for diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials. The playard has front wheels for moving around the house and an easy fold-up design so you can take it to grandma’s in the included carrying bag. Reviewers reported that it’s a “must-buy” for life with a newborn.
Helpful Review: “This turned out wonderful! My newborn sleeps in the bassinet and we use the changing table right next to it. I love how it can be used at different stages. It saved me from having to buy a bassinet which wouldn’t have come with an attached catty which is very handy to have. It has been sturdy and very useful. Bassinet detaches easily and you can travel with it! It’s worth the price to me. I also like how the bassinet sits higher up so it is easier to pick up the baby during recovery. This is one of my favorite purchases for my baby.”
Intended Use: Sleep and supervised awake time | Dimensions: 28.5 x 27 x 37 inches (L x W x H)
06
This Portable Crib That’s Great For Travel
The mesh sides on this travel crib are flush with the firm but comfortable mattress surface making it a safe, breathable environment for infants and toddlers alike. The high-quality aluminum structure helps prevent tilting but folds down with the 1-click design for ease in travel (it even comes with a carrying bag). When baby is old enough to explore, just open up the side zipper and watch them go in and out.
Helpful Review: “This baby playpen is perfect for my newborn. It is so easy to set up and you can bring it anywhere because it is so light weight. We love to bring it to the grandparent house so my son can nap and play in it. It is very sturdy and stable. I love how it comes with a mattress on the bottom for extra comfort.”
Intended Use: Sleep and supervised awake time | Dimensions: 45.5 x 31 x 27 inches (L x W x H)
07
A Nontoxic Foam Floor Mat For Babies & Beyond
This nontoxic foam mat is free from PVC, EVA, BPA, lead, and other harmful chemicals. It’s also roomy enough to give baby space to roll around and discover while still providing a safe and firm surface. The mat can be cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth and rolls up for easy storage. The design is pretty too so you won’t have to sacrifice design for safety.
Helpful Review: “This mat is awesome. We have hardwood floors and we bought this for our newborn to add some cushion under his playmat. We’ve been using this since week 1 and he’s now 8 months. Both sides are great, and we flip it around every now and then. It’s pleasant to look at as well. We bought one for grandma’s house too. The price is a bit high for a play mat but it’s been really easy for us to sit on and the little dude to crawl around on. It’s good quality and you get what you pay for. Super easy to wipe clean.”
Intended Use: Supervised Awake Time | Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.5 feet (L x W)
Mian Anjum Nisar says no benefit of macroeconomic stability at cost of halt in industrial growth
ISLAMABAD, APR 30 /DNA/ – As the country has registered a current account surplus of $654 million in March 2023 first time after Nov 2020 the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry’s Businessmen Panel (BMP) has warned the authorities that drop in Current Account Deficit (CAD) at cost of industrial growth has no benefit, as the current account deficit reduction should be based on growth in exports, resulting into expansion in industrial production as well as employment generation.
FPCCI former president and Businessmen Panel (BMP) chairman Mian Anjum Nisar noted that cumulatively current account deficit declined to $3.4 billion dollars Jul-Mar 2023 against a deficit of $13 billion of same period but this macroeconomic stability has been achieved at the cost of halt in industrial growth and import restrictions which is not acceptable. Unfortunately the present turnaround is largely due to the fall in imports that has accompanied by sharp slowdown in growth after the currency devaluation and gradual increase in interest rates, which sent shockwaves through the economy.
This transformation from deficit into surplus should have been due to recovery in exports and increase in remittances with the support from policies and administrative initiatives of the government but this is not the fact, unfortunately.
The fact is that the massive decline in imports has slowed down overall economic activities, ultimately hitting the GDP growth rate, he said adding the drop in current account deficit is a big achievement as a sign of macroeconomic stability but it is never beneficial for industrial growth-the real indicator of economic performance and development of a nation.
While this is certainly good news as it would reduce the pressure on the country’s dwindling foreign exchange reserves, yet the surplus for March has been achieved at the cost of four key deteriorating macroeconomic indicators: (i) due to severe exchange rate restrictions, necessitated because of low foreign exchange reserves, that include limitation on advance payments for imports against letters of credit, advance payments up to a certain amount per invoice for import of eligible items. There has been a steady decline in the large scale manufacturing index (LSMI) calculated at negative 5.56 percent Jul-Feb 2023, having a negative implications on exports, which declined in dollar terms from $23 billion in Jul-Mar 2022 to $21 billion in the comparable period of this year, leading to job losses with around 7 million job losses in the textile sector alone while growth rate has declined considerably and is projected at 0.5 percent for the entire year by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mian Anjum Nisar argued that the current account surplus must have been based on growth in exports, resulting into growth in industrial production as well as employment generation. But unfortunately the present turnaround is largely due to the drop in imports, leading to an incisive slowdown in growth after unprecedented hike in markup rates in the past and rupee devaluation, which sent shockwaves through the economy. He said that the large decline in imports has been the real force behind the reduction in the deficit because exports and remittances are also down, he added. He observed that the surplus in balance of payment is definitely a positive omen for the government, which is struggling with slow economic growth and high inflation.
However, despite massive decline in rupee’s value, the country’s exports have failed to record any visible improvement. The GDP growth continued to decline, indicating that government managed to ease current account deficit by chocking the economy.
The problem with the policies currently being implemented is two-fold: while the government is laying the entire blame for upward revision in utility rates to achieve full-cost recovery on the IMF’s prior condition for the ninth review yet it has made no effort to implement meaningful structural reforms that would usher in an era of efficiency in all those sectors that it operates and which are running at massive losses – reforms that have the capacity to give the general public some hope that the country is embarked on a program with the capacity to finally and conclusively resolve all prevailing economic issues.
The surplus may be pleasant news for multilateral lenders including the International Monetary Fund, since the dollar denominated loans are safer now. But, at the same time this has been achieved at the cost of a sharp slowdown in the economy that has caused millions of jobs.
FPCCI former President said that the government’s harsh import policy along with high cost of doing business due to continued hike in fuel rates and energy tariffs had almost halted the industrial production.
He said that for the first time during the decade, the growth in large-scale manufacturing was restricted in the last fiscal year after almost all major industries reporting decline in their output, raising concern over a deepening economic slowdown and a widening unemployment ratio.
He emphasized upon the need for continued process of institutional reforms, ensuring financial discipline with a view to consolidate the process of stabilizing economy. Structural transformations are required in all sectors, including agriculture, industry and services, to improve productivity and export competitiveness.
Policymakers, academics and industry representatives discussed how to improve the UK’s competitiveness at a new landmark conference last week.
Hosted by Imperial College Business School, the Faculty of Engineering and Lord Sainsbury of Turville at ScaleSpace on Imperial’s White City Innovation Campus, the conference brought together senior figures from across academia, business and government to discuss how to increase UK growth and competitiveness in three key UK sectors: Biopharmaceuticals, Medtech and Telecommunications.
Lord Sainsbury set the scene of persistent low growth among the G7 countries. Setting out a strategy for growth, he called for more targeted understanding of the needs and opportunities for particular sectors, especially those that can make a difference in terms of total value added and productivity. Professor Francisco Veloso added that policies and actions on R&D, skills, finance, demand support for growth-promising sectors and the build-up of manufacturing capabilities can be better targeted. These actions would be more impactful if developed through collaborative endeavours between industry, academia and government, such as the Conference.
Learning from key competitors
Professor John Paul MacDuffie discussing how US universities have built on research on industrial sectors to help boost manufacturing during periods of decline.
Professor Arnoud de Meyer, Emeritus Professor at Singapore Management University, explained how Singapore?s concerted and targeted industrial policy helped the country to transform key industries and attract high-quality jobs. Professor John Paul MacDuffie, Professor of Management from the Wharton Business School of UPenn, discussed how the US has approached efforts to develop industrial policy in key areas of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, including the renewed focus to create new high-tech opportunities for parts of the country worst hit by industrial decline.
UK competitive advantage
Imperial researchers from the Business School and the Faculty of Engineering presented cutting-edge research into how the UK can make the most of its competitive advantage in the three key sectors of Biopharmaceuticals, Medtech and Telecommunications.
Professor James Barlow, Professor of Technology and Innovation Management (Healthcare) from Imperial College Business School, presented the findings of the group looking at the UK’s biopharmaceuticals sector. Professor Anthony Bull, Professor of Musculoskeletal Mechanics from the Department of Bioengineering, presented work on behalf of the group led by Professor James Moore Jr, Bagrit & RAEng Chair in Medical Device Design from the Department of Bioengineering, who has undertaken a study of the UK’s Medtech sector. Professor Chris Tucci, Professor of Digital Strategy & Innovation in Imperial College Business School, and Dr Marika Iivari, visiting researcher in Imperial College Business School, presented their analysis of the UK telecommunications sector which has been carried out in partnership with Professor Eric Yeatman, Head of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department. The full studies will be published before the summer to continue the conversation on how UK innovation and growth can be supported.
Panel discussions following the biopharmaceuticals presentation by Professor James Barlow, with Dr Virginia Acha, Associate VP of Global Regulatory Policy at MSD, outlining the challenges faced by healthcare systems and increased burden of disease.
Panels with representatives from multinational R&D-performing businesses, investors, SMEs and regulators across the three key sectors responded to the Imperial studies with their own unique perspectives of where the UK can make the most impact in supporting business innovation and growth.
Future UK innovation
The conference closed with discussions on how the UK can ensure future economic growth. Lower R&D investment than that of competitors like Germany, the US and Japan and relatively low numbers of UK researchers moving into industry are in stark contrast to the UK and other OECD countries, according to Dr Carlos Lopez-Gomez, Head of Policy Links in the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing, from the findings of the Innovation report 2023.
In a lively discussion, building greater absorptive capacity within research organisations to take advantage of future opportunities, greater sharing of data between academia and businesses to identify areas of friction in supporting innovation and using government procurement to support innovation were highlighted as key issues to enable greater UK growth.
White City Innovation District
Imperial?s White City Campus anchors the White City Innovation District which is fast emerging as a global economic and cultural hotspot in West London. At White City, we are building a strong and thriving innovation eco-system inspiring a new generation of primary and secondary school students to pursue STEM skills, co-locating university R&D with industrial collaborators and supporting start-ups and spin outs to accelerate growth.
As an anchor to the White City Innovation District, Imperial?s research expertise and presence attracts commercial and research partners to the area like L?Oréal, Novartis and Autolus, providing jobs and accommodation for students, staff and workers on site.
Car leasing is a popular and effective way to help grow your business. As an entrepreneur, having reliable transportation is crucial for success. Owning a car is expensive and time-consuming, but car leasing gives you access to the latest models without worrying about ownership. This saves you time and money and ensures you have access to the latest technology and features to improve your business.
Car leasing allows entrepreneurs to focus on their business and not worry about the cost and maintenance of a vehicle. It also provides flexibility, as leasing terms can be tailored to suit your business needs. Whether you need a vehicle for a short-term project or a long-term solution, car leasing can provide the flexibility and affordability you need to accelerate growth.
Leasing a car for your business is a smart move that can help you save money and improve your financial flexibility. Here are some steps to follow when leasing a car for business purposes:
Determine your budget: Before you start looking at cars, figure out how much you can afford to spend each month. Consider your other business expenses and ensure you have a clear idea of what you can realistically afford.
Shop around for deals: Research and compare prices from different dealerships. Look for special promotions or discounts that may be available to business owners.
If you are considering a Cupra Leon, compare Cupra Leon leasing offers from different providers to find the best price and terms. You can use an online comparison to find and compare the best car leasing deals or work with a leasing agent to navigate your options and find the best deal for your business.
Choose the right car: Consider the type of business you have and the image you want to project. A sleek, modern car may be the best choice if you’re in a creative industry. Or, a more conservative car may be better in a more traditional industry.
Negotiate the lease terms: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the terms of your lease. Ask for a lower interest rate or a longer lease term to help keep your monthly payments manageable.
Read the lease agreement carefully: Read the lease agreement carefully. Ensure you understand all the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing anything.
By following these steps, you can confidently lease a car for your business and enjoy the many benefits of this smart financial decision.
Benefits of Leasing for Entrepreneurs
Leasing a car is becoming an increasingly popular option for many entrepreneurs. Car leasing has become a vital part of many business’s growth strategies. There are numerous tax benefits mentioned by the IRS, available at http://www.irs.gov/. Here are some of the key benefits that entrepreneurs can enjoy by leasing a car:
Lower Payments: One of the biggest benefits of leasing a car is that the monthly payments are typically lower than purchasing a vehicle. This means that entrepreneurs can save money on their transportation costs. Plus, they have more cash on hand to invest in other areas of their business.
Tax Deductions: Another significant benefit of leasing a car is that it can be tax-deductible. Business owners can write off their lease payments as a business expense, which can help to lower their tax bill and improve their bottom line.
Flexibility: Leasing a car offers entrepreneurs flexibility in terms of the length of their lease and the type of vehicle they choose. This means that they can easily upgrade or downgrade their vehicle as their business needs change without having to worry about selling or trading in a car.
Maintenance and Repair Costs: When leasing a car, entrepreneurs don’t have to worry about the cost of repairs and maintenance, as the lease agreement typically covers these. This can save them a lot of money in the long run and help to keep their business expenses under control.
Overall, leasing a car can be an excellent option for entrepreneurs who are looking to maximize their growth potential. With lower payments, tax deductions, flexibility, and reduced maintenance costs, entrepreneurs can focus more on growing their businesses and less on transportation expenses.
Factors to Consider Before Leasing a Car for Business Use
Leasing a car for your business may seem like a great idea, but it’s important to consider several factors before making a decision. First and foremost, determine if leasing a car is the best financial option for your business. Consider the long-term costs of leasing versus buying, including lease payments, maintenance costs, and insurance premiums.
Also, think about the type of vehicle you need for your business. Will it be used for transporting goods or people? Do you need a large vehicle or a smaller, more fuel-efficient one? Consider the lease’s mileage limits and whether they align with your business needs.
Another factor to consider is the length of the lease. How long will you need the vehicle for your business? Ensure the lease term aligns with the length of time you’ll use the car.
It’s also important to research the leasing company before signing a contract. Look into their reputation, customer service, and any hidden fees or charges.
All in all, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of leasing a car for your business and consider all factors before making a decision.
Tax Benefits and Deductions
Vehicle operation and maintenance during business trips. Actual expenses, regular mileage allowances, work-related tolls, and parking fees can be deducted. If you rent or lease a car for a business trip, you can deduct only a portion of the expenses you use for business purposes.
Conclusion
Choosing to lease a car for your business can have many benefits. It can help you maximize growth, increase efficiency, and give you more flexibility in managing your business expenses. However, it’s important to make the right decision that suits your specific business needs and goals.
Before committing to a car lease, you should research and compare different options from various providers. Consider factors such as the length of the lease, the monthly payments, the mileage allowance, and the type of vehicle best suited for your business needs.
Tim Worstell is a strategic influencer in digital marketing and leadership. As an entrepreneur, he always looks for opportunities to help companies grow and reach their full potential. Building strong relationships with partners has been the key to building Adogy, a profitable growth marketing agency. Adogy is a company that specializes in thought leadership and SEO.
Small businesses continue to remain at the forefront of the local economy and should be supported.
Pictures: CONTRIBUTED
Queensland small businesses contribute around $119 billion to the State’s economy annually.
Queensland Small Business Month will see events held from the Northern Peninsula Area to the Southern Gold Coast and include “Custard Apple Muster Day” in Bundaberg and also the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce will allow small businesses to take the time to reflect on their successes and celebrate with like-minded people at their networking event on 31 May.
In support of small business and recognition of the month, the $2.5 million Business Growth Fund grant program has opened.
Small businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to help eligible businesses kick start their next growth opportunity and boost their productivity and confidence to scale up.
This year’s Small Business Month events continue to tackle the big and important issues for small business owners across the state like cyber security, talent retention, growth and financial literacy.
The events will help them connect with local resources and networks, which can make all the difference when it comes to finding support and growing a business.
In addition to the face-to-face events, this year QSBMonline is providing easy access to online sessions.
Small business owners can learn about topics such as social media and digital marketing, workforce planning and management, and innovation to grow a business.
To register for or list an event, go to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said our amazing Queensland small business were the heart and soul of our communities, from the cities and towns to our isolated rural areas and I urge Queenslanders to show some love to your hard working local.
“We can’t survive without small businesses and they can’t survive without us,” Ms Farmer said.
“I urge Queenslanders to get out in their community and back your small business by shopping local, sharing on social media what is special about your favourite local business, writing a review and telling your friends.
“I also encourage small business owners and operators to register for one of the many events across the state where they can share ideas and expand their networks.”
The Business Growth Fund grants program targets high-growth businesses who can accelerate growth, drive Queensland’s economy, and employ more Queenslanders.
Grants between $50,000 and $75,000 are available for small to medium-sized businesses in this $2.5 million round of the Business Growth Fund.
The program provides funding for high-growth businesses to buy specialised equipment, enabling them to unlock growth potential, increase production, expand their workforce, and maximise economic returns to move them into the next stage of growth.
Expressions of interest can be submitted from Monday 8 May 2023 and will close at 5pm on Friday 2 June 2023.
Throughout Labor Day holiday, authorities in China are expecting nearly 30 million domestic and more than one million international trips to be made by plane. Singapore, Egypt, New Zealand and Southeast Asia are among the most popular destinations. Du Jiayi, research fellow at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, says that tourism is a key segment of China’s consumer market and indicator of consumption trends.
(Recasts lede to include President Marcos’ remarks)
By Karen Lema and David Brunnstrom
MANILA/WASHINGTON, April 30 (Reuters) – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said his meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday was essential in advancing his country’s national interest and strengthening the “very important alliance” between Manila and Washington.
Before leaving for his four-day official visit to Washington, Marcos said on Sunday he would convey to Biden his determination to forge “an even stronger relationship” with the United States to “address the concerns of our times,” including issues related to the economy.
“During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world,” said Marcos, the son of the late strongman whom Washington helped flee into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 ‘people power’ uprising.
Marcos’ official visit to Washington is the first by a Philippine president in more than 10 years, and the latest in a series of high-level meetings the Philippines has held with leaders of the United States and China, which are jostling for strategic advantage in the region.
Biden and Marcos are expected to reach agreements on greater business engagement, as well as “military enhancements” amid shared concerns about China, a senior Biden administration official told Reuters.
The senior U.S. administration official said it was impossible to underestimate the strategic importance of the Philippines, although the relationship was more than just about security.
The official said that as part of moves to boost commercial ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would a lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines.
While Marcos was seeking good relations with both China and the United States, Manila was increasingly concerned about “provocative” diplomacy by Beijing and seeking stronger ties with allies, he said.
“We’re seeking not to be provocative, but to provide both moral and practical support for the Philippines as they try to make their way in a complex Western Pacific,” the official said. “Their geographic position is critical,” he added.
Experts say Washington sees the Philippines as a potential location for rockets, missiles and artillery systems to counter a Chinese amphibious invasion of Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.
Marcos’ Washington visit comes after Philippines on Friday accused China’s coast guard of “dangerous maneuvers” and “aggressive tactics” in the South China Sea. The maritime confrontation between the two countries comes despite a visit to Manila this weekend by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.
In the face of such pressure from China, the Philippines and the United States have rapidly stepped up defense engagements, including large-scale military exercises and a recent expansion of U.S. access to Philippine bases. China has objected to the bases agreement.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said earlier this month that it was “too early” to discuss what assets the United States would like to station at bases in the Philippines.
It is a delicate issue for Manila, not only because of its concerns about China, its main trading partner, but given domestic opposition to U.S. military presence in the past.
The two sides did agree to complete a road map in coming months for the delivery of U.S. defense assistance to the Southeast Asian nation over the next five to 10 years.
Alluding to the difficult period in bilateral relations under Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, the official said Monday’s summit would be part of efforts to build the “habits of alliance management” back to levels of the 1970s and 1980s.
The official said the U.S. planned to enhance trilateral dialogue with Japan and the Philippines, and Marcos would have discussions at the Pentagon about joint maritime patrols.
“We will and have stepped up our broader regional security discussions with the Philippines on all the issues in the South China Sea and elsewhere,” the official said, a reference to Manila’s disputed maritime claims with China and other nations.
Separately, the official said no final decision had been made on whether Biden would stop in Papua New Guinea next month as part of stepped-up engagement with the Pacific-island region, but Washington was “in active discussions no matter what about our direct high-level interactions with the Pacific.” (Reporting by Karen Lema in Manila and David Brunnstrom and Steve Holland in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lincoln Feast.)
C-suite appointments enforces Lanistar’s ambition to become one of the UK’s most successful and disruptive fintech services
LONDON, April 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — London-based fintech Lanistar, has today announced the appointment of Ed Blankson as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Blankson arrives at Lanistar with a wealth of expertise behind him having spent multiple years as a Senior Official at Tide.
Alongside Blankson, Lanistar also announces the onboarding of Merton Smith as its Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Having previously managed C-Level relationships at Innova, HP and Verifone – Smith’s hire is the latest move by fintech, Lanistar to achieve its full potential as one of the UK’s growing fintech leaders.
Lanistar is a fintech platform which offers its customers access to their financial products in one, accessible place. Operating as an intermediary to end users, Lanistar’s aim is to challenge the status-quo of traditional financial services.
Jeremy Baber CEO of Lanistar comments: “We are thrilled to announce the hires of Ed and Merton, both of whom are seasoned leaders with vast experience in finance and legal-risk compliance and customer growth respectively. This will no doubt help reinforce our position in the market.”
Lanistar’s latest C-suite additions are the latest stride taken by the fintech in the wake of recent corporate announcements. In recent weeks, Lanistar has announced it is now fully compatible with Google Pay and a partnership with Apple Pay is expected soon.
Merton Smith comments: “I am enthusiastic about the opportunity at Lanistar to be ground-breaking and disruptive. To be a true disruptor in the financial services sector and introduce an alternative payment philosophy to the market. We’re reaching those that would otherwise not be reached. We want to embrace people who want to bank or have access to financial transactions and products who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to via traditional finance offerings.”
Blankson and Smith arrive at a time of accelerated growth for Lanistar on a global scale. Lanistar is ticking all the right boxes in the Brazilian payments industry, recording a rapid uptake of open accounts within four months of its launch in Brazil. The fintech has also set the wheels in motion to integrate its very own cryptocurrency exchange alongside its existing offerings.
Baber added: “Right now, Lanistar is experiencing huge growth with the development of new offerings for our customers. We want to continue knocking on the door of traditional finance and make some meaningful noise. I am excited to see the impact our strengthened C-suite can deliver as we continue to shake-up the market on behalf of our customers.”
About Lanistar
Lanistar was founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Gurhan Kiziloz, whose ambition is to build a fintech unicorn that truly challenges the status quo of old-fashioned, traditional banking services.
Using modern technology and working with industry-leading partners, the Lanistar team is building a platform that provides a total ‘AnyMoney’ solution for its customers. This will give customers access to all their financial products in one place, from general bank accounts all the way through to cryptocurrency.
Lanistar is not a bank but a payment card provider, operating as an intermediary that offers financial services to end users. Lanistar offers the services of a typical bank account through its banking partner Modulr, but with advanced UI/UX and design to make it easier and more secure than high street banks.
Lanistar Ltd is a registered EMD agent (FRN:902996) of Modulr FS Limited and may distribute and redeem e-money and provide payment services. Modulr FS Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA“) under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900573) for the issuing of electronic money and to provide payment services. Lanistar Limited (“Lanistar”) is currently only carrying our pre-launch marketing in preparation for the future launch of Lanistar branded payment cards (“Cards”). Lanistar is finalising arrangements with various partner firms who are authorised and/or regulated (by the FCA and other overseas regulators) and the Cards will only be launched and go-live when those arrangements are in place.
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